Edward Frederick Haley

Ed was known for his generosity and love of family. His passion for smart investing meant that his clients were well-cared for and prepared for retirement; his children knew wise stock-market strategies; and his grandchildren consulted him to save and pay for college. He served on the finance committee at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, shared his philosophy of smart budgeting for couples in the church’s marriage preparation program, and briefly taught a continuing education non-credit course on finance at UMCP Legacy College.

Ed always said, “Important decisions should never be made on an empty stomach.”  Therefore, he assumed the role of feeding his family, who enjoyed frequent taste tests, Ed’s signature subs and omelets, spaghetti sauce with secret ingredients, Cheez-Its and Tootsie Rolls, and countless family dinners. He kept champagne on hand for every family celebration, major and minor.

Ed mesmerized his family and friends with funny, off-beat tales told from the heart and his seemingly inexhaustible store of knowledge. He patiently enlightened those around him about vintage wines, tomato plants, Max Scherzer’s baseball statistics, early television characters, and who’s on first. He was particularly fond of telling stories about his childhood escapades with his brother in Baltimore. Ed was a graduate of University of Maryland and believed in the importance of education; he delighted in his children’s and grandchildren’s educational accomplishments.

He met Shirley at a dance 38 years ago, and, they often said they’ve been dancing ever since. They traveled all over the world. He and Shirley regularly retreated to their vacation home at Rehoboth Beach, where he was fond of inviting friends and family so that Shirley would have someone to play with in the waves.

Ed was a faithful Catholic servant and, at his wife’s request, portrayed Pontius Pilate at the Good Friday presentation of the Passion for more than 20 years.

Ed was a joyful man. He told anyone who would listen how blessed he was. He was a pillar of support for his wife and family.  Whoever was in his presence at that moment was his “favorite.” Everyone felt his undivided love and attention.

We teased him for his poor sense of direction (which he passed along to several of his children), but he was never directionless. He had complete knowledge of what was most important in life. Ed’s legacy is his humor, generosity, kindness and love.

Ed died on April 6 after an extended illness. Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and fan of the Washington Nationals. Following a civil service career with the U.S. Commerce Department, he retired to pursue his real love, investment advising. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and unfailing generosity.

Born in Baltimore on March 20, 1941, he is survived by his wife of 36 years, Shirley Ann Haley; six children, Barbara Wixom (Chris), Linda Estey (Warren), Natalie Rebetsky (Roger), Adrienne Starego (Tony), James Wack (Diane), and Susan Boroff (Eric); and 15 grandchildren, Haley, Hannah, Madeline, Alexander, Ian, Christian, Tony, Nicole, Katie, Garrett, Tobias, Elliott, Oliver, Benjamin, Nathaniel; and one great-grandson, Noah. He is also survived by his brother, Salvatore (Janet).

The family will receive friends at Candle Light Funeral home in Catonsville on Friday, May 4, from 3 - 7 p.m.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 5, at 10 a.m., at St. Mark’s Catholic Chapel, Catonsville. There will be a private interment.

Contributions may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 4200 Harewood Road, NE, Washington, D.C. 20017, or to the charity of your choice in Ed’s name.